Hello again everybody.

I hope you all enjoyed the Bank Holiday weekend.

Your clubs committee had its second virtual meeting last week, and whilst there is little we can do on the playing front, there are still plenty of things we are doing on the non-playing front to improve the clubs facilities, governance and its overall attractiveness to everyone, including new players.

Here are some key updates for you

Community Amateur Sports Club  Status & Extraordinary General Meeting – The clubs committee have been reviewing its Governance structure and are proposing to apply for Community Amateur Sports Club Status. Such a move brings a number of benefits including the availability of more grant funding opportunities, exemption from capital gains tax on any profits, mandatory business rate relief and the ability to claim tax back on voluntary donations to the club. As this is a major change, and will require amendment of the clubs constitution, an EGM has been called for Tuesday 2 June at 7:30pm to present this proposal to members and gain their agreement to progress. Further details on the agenda and how to attend remotely will be sent out shortly.

Grant Funding – Due to the financial impact the Coronavirus pandemic is having on small businesses and clubs such as ours, a number of grant schemes have become available to provide them with financial assistance. I am pleased to confirm that St Ives & Warboys Cricket Club has been able to secure such grant funding which will not only meet the majority of our fixed costs for this current year, but will also enable the club to improve its offerings going forward and take steps to attract players back into cricket when this is all over. Further details on our plans will be communicated in due course.

Facility Improvements – So far this year, through facility improvement grants, we have already been able to purchase a new bowling machine, 2 new PVC sightscreens, and a significant number of new training items.  We aren’t stopping there though and have already secured funding to repair the outdoor nets at Warboys and install batting screens in both the St Ives & Warboys outdoor nets.

Under 9 Softball Cricket Tournament – We are still hopeful of staging our first ever ‘Softball Tournament’ for Under 9’s on 12 July. This will of course be subject to Coronavirus restrictions being lifted. We are planning on the basis of current guidance and hope to be in a position to make this happen if it is safe to do so. However, we do require more people to come forward and volunteer. Therefore, if you are able to help out in any way with this event please contact Graeme Clark by 4 June 2020 at graemeclark1967@outlook.com.

Training Drills & Online Courses – We know how frustrating this season is proving for everyone. Over the next few weeks we will be pulling together some training drills that you can all take part in, either by yourself or by involving your whole family. We will also be sending around details of some online courses which are a bit of fun that everyone can take and will test your knowledge. Keep your eye out for these on facebook, via the clubs website and in your emails.

Best Wishes

Martin Croucher

Chairman